Increase in the level of oral neutrophils with gingival inflammation - A population survey.

Objectives: Host responses to oral inflammation include a continuous and substantive response with the influx of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). PMN, referred to as first responders, migrate rapidly from the circulatory system through the connective tissue to mitigate stimuli and localize in the saliva. This study examined the relationship between the well-established clinical indices of gingivitis and dental plaque and the PMN level. Materials and Methods: This study enrolled adults aged 18-75 years, who provided voluntary informed consent. Oral rinse samples were collected from 159 participants to estimate the PMN levels prior to the full-mouth assessment for gingivitis and dental plaque using the respective clinical indices. Results: The gingival index and dental plaque index scores were in the range of 0.098-2.71 and 0.73-4.78, respectively. Regardless of the age and gender, higher number of PMN was observed with higher gingival index and dental plaque index scores. Our analyses indicated a significant correlation between the oral PMN level and gingival index with a correlation coefficient of 0.66 (p < 0.0001). Similarly, the correlation between the PMN level and dental plaque index was statistically significant with a correlation coefficient of 0.57 (p < 0.0001). Regression analysis identified a significant relationship between the PMN level and clinical indices (p < 0.0005). Conclusions: Increase in the PMN levels with increasing clinical scores (gingival and dental plaque indices) reflect the oral inflammatory burden, irrespective of age or gender. These observations warrant future studies on participants stratified by health status and research directed toward examining the effects of interventions.

Nasal conveyance of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains among dental professionals with varying levels of clinical exposure: A comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: Any control program for MRSA requires identifying the whole hospital reservoir. The likelihood of conveyance of MRSA may be higher in dental settings. Hence, the aim was to compare the nasal conveyance MRSA among dental professionals with varying levels of clinical exposure in a tertiary dental hospital in South India. METHODS: A total of 81 volunteers were stratified based on the number of years of clinical exposure. The nasal swabs were subjected to catalase and coagulase tests as well as antibiotic susceptibility test. Chi- Square test was done to compare the different types of organisms isolated from dental professionals with varied levels of clinical exposure. RESULTS: Out of the total 81 isolates, 62.96% of the isolates were MSCONS (Methicillin sensitive coagulase negative staphylococcus), 20.98% of them were MRCONS (Methicillin resistant coagulase negative staphylococcus), 9.87% were MSSA (Methicillin sensitive staphylococcus aureus) and 3.7% were MRSA positive and 2.46% were other gram negative organisms. CONCLUSIONS: MRCONS, MSSA and MRSA were shown to increase with an increase in the clinical exposure years.

Challenges in Collating Spirometry Reference Data for South-Asian Children: An Observational Study.

METHODS: Spirometry datasets from South-Asian children were collated from four centres in India and five within the UK. Records with transcription errors, missing values for height or spirometry, and implausible values were excluded(n = 110). RESULTS: Following exclusions, cross-sectional data were available from 8,124 children (56.3% male; 5-17 years). When compared with GLI-predicted values from White Europeans, forced expired volume in 1s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) in South-Asian children were on average 15% lower, ranging from 4-19% between centres. By contrast, proportional reductions in FEV1 and FVC within all but two datasets meant that the FEV1/FVC ratio remained independent of ethnicity. The 'GLI-Other' equation fitted data from North India reasonably well while 'GLI-Black' equations provided a better approximation for South-Asian data than the 'GLI-White' equation. However, marked discrepancies in the mean lung function z-scores between centres especially when examined according to socio-economic conditions precluded derivation of a single South-Asian GLI-adjustment. CONCLUSION: Until improved and more robust prediction equations can be derived, we recommend the use of 'GLI-Black' equations for interpreting most South-Asian data, although 'GLI-Other' may be more appropriate for North Indian data. Prospective data collection using standardised protocols to explore potential sources of variation due to socio-economic circumstances, secular changes in growth/predictors of lung function and ethnicities within the South-Asian classification are urgently required.

Factors Affecting Tooth Retention among Adult Population of Dharwad District, India.

INTRODUCTION: Oral health in relation to general health is influen-ced by the retention of teeth. Understanding factors affecting tooth retention will help health and social policy-makers to translate the knowledge on tooth retention into action programs for improving oral health of the people and hence enhance tooth retention. AIM: The aim of the present study was to determine the factors affecting tooth retention among adult population of Dharwad district, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 1100 subjects (616 urban and 484 rural) residing in Dharwad district, Karnataka, India, was conducted. Self-designed questionnaire was prepared and data were collected on socio-demographic factors, oral hygiene practices, diet practices, adverse oral habits and frequency of dental visits by the interview method and clinical examination. Statistical analysis was carried out by applying one way analysis of variance (ANOVA), unpaired t-test and backward stepwise multiple regression. Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to test the correlation between the two quantitative variables. RESULTS: A total of 66.72% subjects retained all 28 teeth and mean number of teeth retained by the study subjects were 25.33 (90.46%). There was gradual reduction in tooth retention with increase in age. Males (95.8%) compared to females (94.07%), unmarried (98.8%) than married subjects (93.3%) and subjects with intermediate or post high school diploma (97.5%) than those who were illiterate (89.5%) and other low educational level study subjects retained more teeth. Further mean values of tooth retention for other socio demographic factors i.e., occupation, income and family size were not statistically significant (p≤0.05). In addition, subjects using tooth brush (96.6%) and tooth paste (96.6%) for cleaning the teeth, subjects practicing mixed diet (96.6%) and subjects who never visited the dentist (96.5%) in their lifetime showed statistically significant greater tooth retention than study subjects who visited the dentist infrequently (92.7%) (p≤0.05) (p=significance level). CONCLUSION: Males compared to females, lower age, profess-ionals compared to illiterates, unmarried and mixed diet population, tooth brush and tooth paste users and population who never visited dentist showed more tooth retention.

Oral health practices and prevalence of dental plaque and gingivitis among Indian adults.

This cross-sectional survey study evaluated oral hygiene habits in conjunction with whole mouth examinations for dental plaque and gingivitis among adults in India. Subjects across several age groups who provided informed consent [220 male and 158 female (mean age 30.9 years)] were enrolled. All enrolled subjects were interviewed for oral hygiene practices and evaluated by the Turesky modification of the Quigley-Hein and the Löe-Silness methods for dental plaque and gingivitis, respectively. Evaluations included oral hygiene parameters, prevalence of dental plaque and gingivitis, and regional differences within the dentition for dental plaque and gingivitis. Results from this study indicate that most subjects (97%) utilized a toothbrush and toothpaste for oral hygiene with a majority (92%) using their right hand to brush their teeth. While 29% reported two or more episodes of daily oral hygiene, a majority (53%) brushed their teeth once daily. Utilization of dental floss and mouthwashes were reported by approximately 1% of this population, and most (73%) reported no dental visits in the preceding 5 years. Whole mouth plaque and gingival scores (average ± standard deviation) for this population were 2.47 ± 0.55 and 1.19 ± 0.31, respectively, with no significant differences between either gender (P > 0.05). Significant correlations (r > 0.44) were observed between plaque and gingival scores for the entire sample, either gender or between age groups (P < 0.001). Analyses indicate that anterior teeth demonstrated lower average scores for dental plaque and gingivitis than posterior and molar regions (P < 0.05). Education was associated with higher plaque and gingival scores: plaque scores [odds ratios; 95% confidence interval; 1.23; 1.01-1.50 and gingival scores odds ratios 1.25; 1.02-1.54]. In summary, results from this study demonstrate the prevalence of dental plaque and gingivitis in the general population and their relationships with demographic characteristics. They reinforce examinations of posterior regions that consistently harbor more plaque and corresponding gingivitis in evaluations of oral health.

Anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin D on gingivitis: a dose response randomised controlled trial.

In a randomized controlled trial, a daily Oral Vitamin D supplementation was given in dose of 2000 IU for Group A, 1000 IU for Group B , 500 IU for Group C and placebo for Group D over 3 months period to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin D on gingivitis at various doses. The changes in gingival scores were measured at the period of 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd month. Gingivitis score changed in direct proportion to the dose of vitamin D supplementation. Group A mean gingival scores were 2.4 (baseline); 1.7 (1 st month), 0.8 (2 nd month) and 0.3 (3 rd month). The group B the mean baseline gingival score from 2.3 reduced to 2.0 (month), 1.1 (two months) and 0.5 (third month). Group C had baseline gingival scores of 2.2 and 1.9 (1 st month), 1.4 (2 nd month) and 0.8 (last visit). Comparing baseline gingivitis scores with later visit score by Wilcoxon paired test, the anti-inflammatory effect was significantly seen in group A after one month itself, group B at two months and group C at 3 rd month after oral vitamin D supplementation. However, Group D did not show any significant anti-inflammatory effect.

Tobacco cessation in India: a contemporary issue in public health dentistry.

In India, tobacco use is incredibly linked to poverty and accounts for the high public health costs of treating tobacco-related diseases. Dental public health programs aid in detecting the tobacco-related periodontal diseases, oral cancers, etc., where the majority belongs to the submerged portion of iceberg, which otherwise leads to substantial morbidity and mortality. Moreover, public health dentists plays a key role in identifying both clinical and subclinical cases and aid in tobacco use cessation through various modes of health education and counseling. Therefore, the community-based measures are deemed to be the most cost-effective tool for tobacco cessation.

Retrospective study on risk habits among oral cancer patients in Karnataka Cancer Therapy and Research Institute, Hubli, India.

BACKGROUND: Retrospective studies on oral cancer patient profiles related to risk habits could provide etiologic clues for prevention in specific geographic areas. OBJECTIVE: To study risk habit characteristics of oral cancer patients. METHODS: A cross sectional retrospective case record study of oral cancer patients who reported during 1991-2000 to Karnataka Cancer Therapy and Research Institute, Hubli, India was conducted. Data on socio-demography, histopathology, site of cancer and risk habit profiles of the patients were recorded in a predesigned Performa by one calibrated examiner with internal validity checks. RESULTS: The 1,472 oral cancer patients constituted 11% of total cancer patients. Mean age of the patients was 55 years, ranging from 12-88, with a male: female ratio of 2:1. 1,110 (75%) oral cancer patients had risk habits, 55% were habituated for >10 years and 25% were habit free. 751(51%) patients had individual and 359(24%) had combined risk habits. Majority 59% were chewers of betel quid alone (17%)/betel quid with tobacco (42%); smokers were (31%) and alcohol users were (14%) of patients. Chewers of gutkha, khaini were more in <40 years and betel quid in >40 years. Risk habituates were highest (87%) in patients with cancer of buccal mucosa, commonly affected site attributed to chewing habit in (51%) of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of oral cancer was higher among elderly males predominantly with risk habits of betel quid/tobacco chewing and smoking for more than 10 years.

The efficacy of dentifrices on extrinsic tooth stains among community dwelling adults in India--a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of routine use of two dentifrices on tooth stain. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: Single centre, parallel design, double blind randomised clinical study with two treatment groups. CLINICAL SETTING: Department of Dental Public Health, SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, India. PARTICIPANTS: 125 of the 140 study subjects aged 18-70 years completed the 8-week study period. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were randomly assigned to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste (control) or a dentifrice formulated with silicas (test) and recalled for tooth stain examinations after 4 and 8 weeks of dentifrice use. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Modified Lobene tooth stain index. RESULTS: Whereas statistical analyses indicate no significant differences between the treatment groups for baseline scores of tooth stain intensity, stain area and tooth stain composite scores (p > 0.53), examinations demonstrate significant reductions in stain area, intensity and stain composite scores amongst subjects assigned the test dentifrice at both recall visits versus the control (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Routine use of the test dentifrice demonstrated significant removal of tooth stain among individuals recruited from the community.

A survey on disaster management among postgraduate students in a private dental institution in India.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding disaster management among postgraduate (PG) students in a private dental institution in India. DESIGN: Questionnaire survey with cross-sectional design. SETTING: Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara (SDM) College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, India. PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS: All PG students in SDM college of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, were included. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding disaster management. RESULTS: A total of 125 of 135 PG students participated (response rate of 92.59 percent) in the study. Mean knowledge, attitude, and behavior scores were 58.74, 85.78, and 31.60 percent, respectively. Significant correlations were observed between knowledge and year of study (chi2 value = 45.301, p = 0.000), and behavior and place of residence of respondents (chi2 value = 4.112, p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Participants had low knowledge and behavior scores, but high attitude scores regarding disaster management. The year of study and the place of residence were associated with knowledge and behavior, respectively. This study highlights the need for curriculum changes in dental education and has policy implications for disaster management in India.

Tooth mortality and prosthetic treatment needs among the urban and rural adult population of Dharwad district, India.

PURPOSE: To assess the tooth mortality and prosthetic treatment needs among the urban and rural adult population of Dharwad district. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1223 subjects (685 urban and 538 rural) were selected using multi-stage cluster random sampling. A form was prepared and data were collected on sociodemographic factors, tooth mortality and its causes and prosthetic treatment needs by the interview method and clinical examination. RESULTS: The rural population compared to urban, increased age and females compared to males had higher tooth mortality rates, which was demonstrated by the multiple logistic regression model. Dental caries and periodontal diseases were the two reasons for increased tooth mortality in the population studied. A proportion of 50.01% of the population required some form of prosthetic treatment. CONCLUSION: Age, gender and location were positive predictors of tooth mortality. Greater prosthetic treatment needs were observed among the rural population.

Efficacy of two commercially available dentifrices in reducing dentinal hypersensitivity.

OBJECTIVE: A parallel design clinical study evaluated reduction in hypersensitivity after brushing for 12 weeks with Anchor toothpaste (containing potassium citrate, zinc citrate, triclosan and sodium monofluorophosphate) (test) and Colgate Total (sodium fluoride, silica, triclosan and copolymer) (control) dentifrices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty adults with sensitivity to hot and cold stimulus in at least two tooth surfaces were stratified at the baseline examination by tactile, hot and cold stimuli scores in two balanced groups. Subjects were randomly allocated the test and control dentifrices and evaluated after 6 and 12 weeks of dentifrice use for hypersensitivity. RESULTS: The two teeth that were selected in each patient were designated as two different sets. The 12th-week scores as compared to baseline scores for tactile, heat and cold tests in the test group showed a reduction in tooth hypersensitivity by 36.67% (P < 0.01), 20.35% (P < 0.01) and 53.64 % (P < 0.01), respectively, in the first set of teeth and 43.75% (P < 0.01), 24.48% (P < 0.01) and 59.78% (P < 0.01), respectively, in the second set of teeth. The 12th-week scores as compared to baseline scores for tactile, heat and cold tests in the control group showed a reduction in tooth hypersensitivity by 42.86% (P < 0.01), 13.02% (P < 0.01) and 45.14% (P < 0.01), respectively, in the first set of teeth and 40% (P < 0.01), 16.59% (P < 0.01) and 44.16% (P < 0.01), respectively, in the second set of teeth. CONCLUSIONS: Both the products reduced dentinal hypersensitivity in the study subjects at the end of the 12-week period. However, there was no statistically significant difference in reduction in hypersensitivity between the two products.

Regional differences within the dentition for plaque, gingivitis, and anaerobic bacteria.

OBJECTIVE: This investigation assessed regional differences in dental plaque and gingivitis within the human dentition in conjunction with microbiological analyses of dental plaque. METHODS: Forty-one adults (23 males and 18 females; age range 19-44 years) were enrolled, and a calibrated dental examiner completed whole mouth examinations for dental plaque (PI) and gingivitis (GI) using the Turesky modification of the Quigley-Hein Index (TMQH) and the L6e-Silness (LS) Index, respectively. Dental plaque samples were collected from the anterior surfaces and posterior teeth to determine viable anaerobic bacteria. During this visit, subjects underwent a whole mouth dental prophylaxis and were provided a marketed fluoride dentifrice for twice-daily oral hygiene. Subjects were recalled on day 15 and day 30 for whole mouth assessments of PI and GI, followed by the collection of dental plaque from the anterior and posterior teeth for microbiological analyses during these visits. RESULTS: Low plaque and gingival scores were common on anterior surfaces, in contrast to greater frequencies of higher PI and GI scores on the posterior regions or the entire dentition. Correspondingly, mean scores for PI and GI were significantly lower among the anterior surfaces in comparison to all other regions of the mouth (posterior, Ramfjord surfaces, or the entire dentition) over each phase of the study (p < 0.0001). While prophylaxis resulted in lower clinical scores from baseline to the day-15 recall visit (p < 0.05), anterior surfaces demonstrated lower scores than posterior regions during this recall visit (p < 0.05). Although dental plaque scores increased from the day-15 to the day-30 evaluations, gingival scores maintained broad reductions, with anterior scores consistently lower than the corresponding posterior regions (p <0.05). Microbiological analyses indicated significantly lower numbers of viable bacteria from the anterior surfaces in comparison to posterior regions at both recall visits (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Anterior surfaces routinely demonstrated lower levels of dental plaque scores than the other regions of the dentition. Higher gingival inflammation levels were also correlated with increased plaque deposits associated with posterior teeth. Microbiological analyses confirm clinical observations with significantly higher numbers of viable bacteria in the dental plaque collected from the posterior regions. The human dentition demonstrates significant regional differences in the prevalence of dental plaque, gingivitis, and corresponding anaerobic bacteria, with posterior surfaces consistently reporting higher scores than the anterior regions. These consistent differences should be taken into account in performing plaque and gingivitis studies when assessing the efficacy of oral health products for controlling dental health.

Changes in the FEV1/FVC ratio during childhood and adolescence: an intercontinental study.

In children, the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC) is reportedly constant or falls linearly with age, whereas the ratio of residual volume (RV) to total lung capacity (TLC) remains constant. This seems counter-intuitive given the changes in airway properties, body proportions, thoracic shape and respiratory muscle function that occur during growth. The age dependence of lung volumes, FEV1/FVC and RV/TLC were studied in children worldwide. Spirometric data were available for 22,412 healthy youths (51.4% male) aged 4-20 yrs from 15 centres, and RV and TLC data for 2,253 youths (56.7% male) from four centres; three sets included sitting height (SH). Data were fitted as a function of age, height and SH. In childhood, FVC outgrows TLC and FEV1, leading to falls in FEV1/FVC and RV/TLC; these trends are reversed in adolescence. Taking into account SH materially reduces differences in pulmonary function within and between ethnic groups. The highest FEV1/FVC ratios occur in those shortest for their age. When interpreting lung function test results, the changing pattern in FEV1/FVC and RV/TLC should be considered. Prediction equations for children and adolescents should take into account sex, height, age, ethnic group, and, ideally, also SH.

Knowledge about oral cancer in adults attending a Dental Hospital in India.

The incidence of oral cancer in India is on the rise due to increasing consumption of alcohol and tobacco products. The study was conducted with the aim to assess the associated knowledge in adults attending a dental college. Specific objectives were to: 1) assess the knowledge of risk factors for oral cancer 2) assess the knowledge of signs of oral cancer; 3) determine factors influencing level of knowledge. All adult patients visiting the dental college were randomly selected to participate in a questionnaire survey, printed both in English and the local language - Kannada. Some 69.8% (n=166) and 37.8% (n=90) respectively were able to correctly identify tobacco and alcohol as risk factors for oral cancer. Only 20.2% (n=48) and 18.1% (n=43) respectively were able to correctly identify a white lesion and a red lesion as early signs of oral cancer. Respondents who were younger, those who had >12yrs of education were more likely to be more knowledgeable of risk factors for oral cancer. Those with higher knowledge of risk factor scores were 4.5 times more likely to obtain ≥1 knowledge of signs score. (p< 0.0000). Knowledge of risk factors and signs of oral cancer was low and misinformation was high, hence there is a need to focus on educational interventions in a hospital based setting to improve knowledge.

Clinical stain removal efficacy of two dentifrices after one and two weeks of use.

OBJECTIVE: This investigation evaluated extrinsic stain removal efficacy after brushing for one and two weeks with a commercially available fluoride dentifrice relative to Colgate Total Advanced Clean, a new dentifrice formulated with dual-phase silica. METHODS: At the baseline visit, one-hundred and forty-four adult subjects were stratified by Lobene Stain Index scores and randomized to two treatment groups using either Total Advanced Clean dentifrice (0.3% triclosan, 2% copolymer, dual phase silica) or a commercially available fluoride dentifrice, and instructed to brush twice daily. Tooth stain evaluations were conducted on stain area, stain intensity, and a composite score of both, after one and two weeks of dentifrice use. RESULTS: Baseline scores demonstrated no significant differences between the two treatment groups for all evaluated stain parameters (p > 0.05). At both the one- and two-week post-use evaluations, subjects brushing with Total Advanced Clean demonstrated significant reductions for all stain parameters versus the control (p < 0.05). The Total Advanced Clean group demonstrated mean reductions in stain intensity of 0.37 and 0.74 at the one- and two-week evaluations, respectively, versus the control group. Corresponding mean reductions in stain area for the Total Advanced Clean group versus the control were 0.12 and 0.24 at the one- and two-week evaluations, respectively. The two post-use evaluations also demonstrated significant reductions in stain composite scores for the subjects assigned Total Advanced Clean (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In comparison to the control dentifrice, the results demonstrated significantly more stain removal following the use of Total Advanced Clean at each recall visit. Subjects assigned Total Advanced Clean demonstrated continued reductions in stains from baseline to one week, and from one week to two weeks.

Influence of socioeconomic status on lung function and prediction equations in Indian children.

The present study was carried out to assess the influence of socioeconomic status on lung functions and to suggest prediction equations for Indian children. For this purpose, 2,616 normal, healthy schoolchildren aged between 5-15 years were recruited. Boys were classified into three groups, i.e., high-income (HIG), middle-income (MIG), and low-income (LIG), while girls were classified into HIG and LIG groups, based on socioeconomic status (SES). Height, weight, chest circumference, body surface area (BSA), fat-free mass (FFM), and body fat were assessed. Forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were measured. The results, before and after adjustment of physical characteristics, showed that anthropometry, body composition, and lung functions were significantly higher in HIG compared to MIG and LIG children, while in girls, no differences were observed in physical characteristics after adjustments. Multiple linear regression equations were developed to predict FEV1, FVC, and PEFR, using independent variables like age, height, fat-free mass, and SES. It is opined that these equations could be used as Indian reference equations for healthy children based on the SES.

Pulmonary function tests in Indian girls--prediction equations.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to evaluate pulmonary functions and develop prediction equations in Indian girls. METHODS: 1038 normal healthy schoolgirls in the age group of 5 to 15 years were selected for the present study. The anthropometrical parameters like height, weight, sitting height and chest circumference were measured and body surface area (BSA) and fat free mass (FFM) were derived using equations. The pulmonary functions such as FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC% and PEFR were studied. RESULTS: The height, sitting height, weight, BSA, chest circumference, body fat as well as FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC% and PEFR were comparable with Indian standards. Multiple regression equations were developed to predict FEV1, FVC and PEFR using anthropometrical indices like height, fat free mass and age or chest circumference in view of significantly high correlation of these parameters with lung function variables [height and FEV1 (r-0.90), height and FVC (r-0.899), height and PEFR (r-0.891), chest and FEV1 (r-0.868), chest and FVC (r-0.867), chest and PEFR (r-0.83)]. CONCLUSION: The regression equations to predict the pulmonary functions were presented using the independent variables like height, fat free mass and chest circumference or age, since these variables have shown very strong predictability for FEV1, FVC and PEFR. The equations presented in this study can be considered as referral standards for Indian girls.

Study on lung function tests and prediction equations in Indian male children.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was carried out to evaluate lung functions and develop prediction equations in Indian boys. SUBJECTS: 1555 normal healthy schoolboys from Hyderabad city who were in the age group of 5 to 15 years were selected for the present study. DESIGN: The anthropometric parameters such as height, sitting height, weight, and chest circumference were measured and body surface area (BSA) and percent body fat (% Fat) were derived. The lung functions studied were FEV1, FVC, FEV1% and PEFR. RESULTS: The height, sitting height, weight, BSA, chest circumference, body fat as well as FEV1, FVC, FEV1 % and PEFR were comparable with Indian boys. The height for age, weight for age and weight for height were found to be lower than 50th percentile of NCHS standards in the subjects studied. Similarly the lung function values of the study population were found to be lower than the values of corresponding western population. CONCLUSION: Regression equations were derived to predict FEV1, FVC and PEFR using physical characteristics. Height, chest circumference and fat free mass were the best predictors for FEV1, FVC, and PEFR. Age, height, sitting height, weight, chest circumference and fat free mass showed significant association with lung functions.